Article by Damian Holmes, Founder & Editor of World Landscape Architecture
Over recent years, there has been anecdotal evidence that enrollment in landscape architecture courses has declined. This is due to several factors, including economic downturns in some countries, fewer students attending university, increases in the cost of education, perceived value versus potential salaries, and greater options (jobs) and opportunities (education) available due to the digital economy. Only a few of these overall trends impact landscape architecture courses however, there needs to be acknowledgment of that we need to take steps to attract more students.
Increase Awareness of the Profession
Many students are unaware of the profession that designs the landscapes that they encounter every day in towns, cities and beyond. There needs to be greater promotion of landscape architecture to students from an early age, all the way through to university. This can be achieved by the promotion of the work we do, including projects, urban frameworks, government policy and so on.
Many professional institutions do a great job of promoting the profession by attending school career days, career advisor conferences, and university open days. Landscape architects should also try to volunteer to help where possible. Raising awareness through social media is also key to gaining students attention, as social media is often a visual platforms (instagram, snapchat, tictok) they provide the perfect opportunity to promote landscape architecture.
Quell the Artificial Intelligence fear
Recently, there have been posts on Reddit, Linkedin, and social media from people considering landscape architecture but raising concerns about whether it is a viable future career given the growth of artificial intelligence (AI). Also fueling this fear is the number of AI apps promoted on social media that show instant (before & after) landscape designs. These apps are only visual appeal but often lack good contextual design.
As a profession, we need to acknowledge that artificial intelligence is a tool, but it does not replace the profession’s creativity, expertise, empathy, understanding of sites, complex problem-solving, and collaboration across professions. AI will not replace landscape architecture; we should advocate that it is a profession for the future and will assist in providing solutions for climate challenges.
Future employment possibilities
Landscape architecture offers numerous employment opportunities upon completing a degree. Often, landscape architecture is only seen as a way to design gardens and we need to inform students that there are many opportunities. These include working in design firms on small and large landscapes, as well as roles in government to develop policy and frameworks for urban centres, work in urban forestry, creating design strategies as a landscape planner, managing building projects, undertaking research, and much more.
Improve visibility of landscape architecture within faculties and departments
Over the years, many landscape architecture programs have shifted towards offering it as a specialisation (major) chosen during a general design degree. This often results in students selecting between architecture, design, construction, and landscape architecture. Consequently, there is an increasing need for landscape architecture departments to promote their field and profession by providing students with greater exposure to the various possibilities and opportunities that a career as a landscape architect can provide.
Many students are unaware of landscape architecture as an option during their studies, often coming to the field after completing architecture or engineering degrees. They only realise the program was available post-graduation. Moreover, there is a need for stronger collaboration between faculties to introduce engineering and science students to landscape architecture and to explore how they might pursue it as a study option.
Integrate practical work placements (internships)
All landscape architecture students should undertake a work placement (design firms, government, non-profits) as part of their studies. By providing practical experience, it shows prospective students that their studies have real-world application and a clear pathway to employment
Increase the connection between universities and the profession
Many universities have links with professional organisations (AILA, ASLA, LI, HKILA), and some also engage through other groups such as CELA. However, there needs to be stronger connections between universities and the profession beyond the studio critiques and professional practice subjects. Universities should hire more practitioners to teach within schools across several classes, thereby giving students more practical exposure.
Utilise the tools available
There are many tools available from professional organisations that have created initiatives, websites, brochures, toolkits and other promotional materials to allow anyone to promote the profession, including the following:
ASLA – Your Path to Landscape Architecture
AILA – Become a Landscape Architect
LI – Choose Landscape
If you know of any other programs or initiatives feel free to email them submit@worldlandscapearchitect.com or message us on Instagram or social media platforms.
Highlight Financial Assistance
Many students may be disuaded by the cost of degress, however many universities, professional organisations and design firms provide financial assistance such as scholarships and research grants for students. These should be highlighted when promoting university programs.
Promote postgraduate pathways
There are many ways that people can become landscape architects, the traditional pathway is to finish school, study landscape architecture at university and graduate. However, there are other ways for people to become landscape architects through postgraduate study. Many landscape architects were previously architects, engineers, horticulturalists, graphic designers and more.
More student outreach programs
Many universities have community outreach programs to undertake community projects, such as community design competitions or community days (tree planting, clean ups, etc) to assist local community building and provide the opportunity for students to learn, but also connect with people and communities.
Create Mentor programs
After students have joined a course, they often require guidance on careers and the available opportunities. Connecting students through an informal or formal mentor program allows them to connect with professionals (young and experienced) to gain advice and exposure to what the profession entails and what they may need to focus on to achieve their desired career goals.
Celebrate Alumni
All too often, universities only contact alumni to ask for donations or to attend a studio critique or fundraising event. Universities should celebrate their alumni beyond anniversaries and significant appointments. Whenever a landscape architect opens a project, wins an award or publishes an article, university departments should promote it on their social media platforms and newsletters—showcasing alumni creates pride within the department and aspirations in current students.
Tell the stories of landscape architects
Many landscape architects have compelling stories about their career paths, including what they have been involved in, who they have worked with, and what they have created, which have created impactful and real-world, tangible benefits to communities and cities. By sharing the stories of landscape architects through articles, videos, and images on social media and other platforms, we can pique students’ interest through visual communication, creating a desire to learn more.
Article by Damian Holmes, Founder & Editor of World Landscape Architecture
If you like this article you may also be interested in How do we attract more people to landscape architecture?
Be the first to comment